protein Shakes for weight loss

If you're trying to build muscle tone and lose the fat, working out isn't enough.  Chances are you're trying to up your protein intake.  As women get older, they tend to lose muscle.  Protein is necessary for muscle maintenance and growth, so getting enough of that essential macronutrient is a a must.  Protein, combined with healthy fat and fiber, can also help you feel satiated, which can help with weight loss.  It's not a magic bullet, however.  Eating a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fiber and healthy fats will ensure you get enough vitamins and ultimately help you lose weight healthily and happily.

When shopping for Vanilla Whey Protein, don't forget Amazon.com.  They list the price per ounce to make finding the most frugal options easy.  That said, pay attention to quality – you want something with quality ingredients, no artificial sugars or fillers.

As I get accustomed to the taste of the smoothies, I've backed off on the honey.  You may want to adjust to your own taste. Did you also know that you can make yogurt for your shakes in the crock pot?  Here is our Easy Crock Pot Yogurt Recipe.  It's another great way to save!

Whey/Casein Protein vs. Vegan Protein

When choosing a protein powder, you have tons of options.  One thing to consider is whether or not to go vegan (plant-based), whey or casein ( both milk-derived).  Whey protein is a dairy-based protein that contains all the essential amino acids.  It's quickly absorbed, and has a high concentration of amino acids.  Casein protein, also dairy-based, is more slowly absorbed.  The drawback of these two is that they contain lactose, which some people have issues digesting.   If you opt for a vegan protein powder, such as pea protein or rice protein, it will not contain the same amounts of amino acids.  Rice protein is low in lysine, while pea protein is low in cystine and methionine.  Vegan-based soy protein contains all the essential amino acids.  When choosing soy, make sure you choose one that's organic, as the main concern with soy consumption isn't its estrogenic effects, but rather the fact that so much of it is genetically modified.  Hemp protein (also plant-based) is high in Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, but low in lysine.  There's a tradeoff for going vegan.

Here are some of the best protein shake recipes I've found.  I use Shakeology in my shakes.  It's more than a protein powder – it contains a mix of superfoods that boost the immune system, probiotics for gut health, and vitamins and minerals to help fill in nutritional gaps.  It comes in both whey and vegan.

Best Protein Shake Recipes

Strawberry Protein Shake

• 1 C. Greek yogurt
• 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder or Shakeology
• 1 C. frozen strawberries
• 3/4 C – 1 C. skim milk or almond milk
• 2 Tbsp. honey

Makes one large serving or two small servings.

Banana Split Protein Shake

• 1 frozen banana
• 1 C. almond milk
• 1/4 C. peanut butter or PB2
• 1 scoop chocolate protein powder or Shakeology

Makes one serving.

Banana Protein Shake

• 1 small banana, frozen*
• 1 C. unsweetened almond milk
• 1/4 C. greek yogurt*
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder or Shakeology
• 1/2 Tbsp. honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Makes one serving.

Raspberry Protein Shake

• 1/2 C. Greek yogurt
• 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder or Shakeology
• 1 C. frozen raspberries
• 3/4 C – 1 C. skim milk or almond milk
• 2 Tbsp. honey

Makes one serving.

Banana Peanut Butter Protein Shake

• 1 frozen banana
• 1/2 C. Greek yogurt
• 1/2 C. skim milk or almond milk
• 1/4 C. peanut butter
• 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder or Shakeology

Makes one serving.

Blueberry Protein Shake Recipe

• 1/2 C. frozen blueberries
• 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder or Shakeology
• 4-6 ice cubes
• 1/2 C. Greek yogurt
• 1/2 C. skim milk or almond milk
• 2 Tbsp. honey

Blend well.  Makes one serving.

Piña Colada Protein Shake Recipe

• ¾ C. water
• ¼ C. pineapple juice
• ½ tsp. pure coconut extract
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder or Shakeology
• 1 C. ice

Blend and serve.  Makes one serving.

Orange “Julius” Protein Shake Recipe

• 1/2 C. frozen orange juice concentrate
• 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder or Shakeology
• 4-6 ice cubes
• 1/4 C. Greek yogurt
• 1/2 C. skim milk
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Makes one serving.

Chunky Monkey Protein Shake Recipe

• 1/2 frozen banana
• 1 C. unsweetened almond milk
• 2 tsp. peanut butter or PB2
• 1 scoop chocolate protein powder or Shakeology

Makes one serving.

Snickerdoodle Protein Shake Recipe

• 1 C. unsweetened almond milk
• 1 C. ice
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder or Shakeology
• ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp. pure maple syrup
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Blend and enjoy!  Makes one serving.

Peanut Butter Cookie Protein Shake Recipe

• 1C. unsweetened almond milk
• 1C. ice
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder or Shakeology
• 1 Tbsp. all-natural peanut butter
• 1 pinch sea salt
• 1 Tbsp. graham cracker crumbs

Blend and enjoy!  Makes one serving.

Pineapple Mango Protein Shake

• 1 C. water
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder or Shakeology
• ¼ C. cubed fresh pineapple
• ¼ C. cubed mango
• 1 Tbsp. orange zest
• 1 C. ice

Blend and enjoy!  Makes one serving.